Dear Editor: In response to Tony Rossi’s column “Growing in Holiness During Advent” (The Tablet, Dec. 1), he states that the Church asks us to look at ourselves in a way that is truthful, honest and can change us for the better. Encouraging people to take more time quietly, prayerfully reflecting on what is about to happen when we celebrate the Incarnation.

I feel that we should be more verbal and less quiet in order to celebrate the one person who gave of herself, joyfully, bravely and selflessly which was Mary, the mother of Jesus. She accepted everything that God asked her to do, and unquestionably with so much love and fidelity.

Pro-life Catholics are very upset that millions of faithful Catholics helped to re-elect a Catholic governor who wants to double the number of abortions by legalizing abortion through all nine months, allowing non physicians to perform most of those abortions, and protecting abortionists from liability for failure to resuscitate babies born alive during an abortion.

What does Mary think of them? How can we have Eucharistic Ministers administer the Holy Ghost if they voted for the newly elected governor? Are they questioned about where they stand? We all need to be open, not silent, during Advent and throughout the year. It’s unacceptable for Catholics to be pro-choice and vote that way.

Jesus came into the world as a baby. It was difficult for Mary and Joseph, this is why we all should be openly proclaiming the Gift of Life that was given to all of us and is taken from over 700,000 babies each year. Life is the primary value that should be publicly stated and included in every homily and from each Catholic all year long.

MADELEINE SANTANGELO PALUMBO
Sea Cliff, New York